Memorial Opera House
Address
104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383
Contact
Phone: (219) 548-9137
Fax: (219) 462-2640
About
At the Memorial Opera House, the performance begins as soon as you enter. This building's old-school charm (like the stained-glass windows) is married to top-notch modern amenities (like a brand-new sound system). The Memorial Opera House presents Broadway musicals and plays, national musical acts, live comedy and a lunchtime cabaret series once a month. On the National Register of Historic Places, the handsome Memorial Opera House was built in 1893 by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) as a memorial to the county's Civil War veterans. In continual use since then, the Opera House has hosted such notable performers as conductor John Phillip Sousa and the Marx Brothers. The most recent renovation of this historic building began in 1993 and was completed in the spring of 1998. The architects tried to make the renovation as historically accurate as possible, and added design elements that were common during the 1890s. Free guided tours are offered by appointment and are well worth the effort. Be sure to check their program schedule to see what productions are showing during your visit to the region.
Amenities:
- Indoor
- Group Friendly (20+)
- Handicap Accessible
- Locally Owned
- Non - Smoking
Events:
Back to the Dean Martin Show
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2019Check website for times
Featuring Felix J. Denaeu, Jr. as Dean Martin. Felix was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he grew up with such television favorites as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jackie Gleason Show and, of course, The Dean Martin Show. He collected almost all of Dean's albums of the time and would practice impersonating him o this record player. He would also imitate a number of other celebrities as well.
Mamma Mia
Dates: July 12 - July 28, 2019Check website for times
Set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson's heart-warming tale centers around Sophie, a young bride-to-be on the eve of her wedding. Sophie'squest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Mamma Mia is a celebration of love, laughter, family, and friendship.
Lunchtime Cabaret Series - Songs of the Silver Screen: The Soundtrack of Our Life
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2019Check website for times
Whether a film is a tear-jerking drama, an action-packed thriller or a sidesplitting comedy, the right song at the right moment will always elevatethe impact of a scene. Spend an afternoonwith us-we're sure you'll be singing and dancing along!
Brightside Music Presents: Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2019Check website for times
One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists, two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and sax prowess since her debut album in 2000. After working on her second album Wild heart, Abair enlisted Randy Jacobs to help encapsulate the gritter rock and soul sound she was looking for. Soon after, Abair and Jacobs came together to form a dynamic live act in Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers. The band features Mindi (saxophone, vocals), Randy Jacobs (guitar, vocals), Sweet pea Atkinson (vocals), Rodney Lee (keys), Derek Frank (bass, vocals), and Third Richardson (drums, vocals).
An Evening of Laughter and Stories of Sinatra
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2019Check website for times
In this unforgettable performance, Tom Dreesen will take you from his childhood of shining shoes in bars in his hometown of Harvey, Illinois hearing Frank Sinatra on the jukebox, to one day touring the nation as his opening act, flying in his private jet and staying up with Frank till dawn, night after night. He takes you to Frank's last performance and the last song he ever sang and then to his last day on earth. Dreesen's keen insight to arguably the greatest career show business has ever known, and the lessons he learned from the legendary star, promises to move the audience! Dreesen has made over 5-- appearances on national television, including 61 appearances on the Tonight Show, plus guest host for David Letterman. He is a regular in all the main showrooms in Las Vegas, and for 13 years he toured the United State as the opening act for Frank Sinatra.
Lunchtime Cabaret Series - Heroes & Villains: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2019Check website for times
Where there's good, there's bad. Where there's light, there's dark. The scaleshave to balance one way or another, and in the world of theatre, it's often done throughsong. Explore some of the songs made famous by our favorite heroes and heroines and the tunes of our favorite bad guys (and gals). Don't be a "Poor Unfortunate Soul" who misses out on the fun of this cabaret.
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
Dates: September 27 - October 13, 2019Check website for times
The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horrorthat there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspiciouscharacters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last nerve-shredding moment the identity and motive of the murder is finally revealed.
Brightside Music Presents: Willie Nile
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019Check website for times
The New York Times called Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." His album Streets of New York was hailed as "a platter for the ages" by UNCUT magazine. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the "Top Ten Best Under The Radar Albums of 2011" and BBC called it "THE rock'n'roll album of the year.
South Shore Orchestra: Shostakovich Symphony 11
Date: Friday, October 25, 2019Check website for times
Described as a "Requiem for a Generation," Dimitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11 "The Year 1905" is a symphonic and cinematic depiction of the horrific events that began the first Russian Revolution on January 9, 1905. Also a symbol of humanity, Shostakovich describes his 11th Symphony as being "about the people, who have stopped believing because the cup of evil has run over."
Lunchtime Cabaret Series - Hometown Heroes: A Salute to Veterans
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019Check website for times
Memorial Opera House was built to be a monument to thebrave men and women that have served for the freedom of our great country. Our tradition has been to thank these brave heroes through songs featuring patriotic themes.
Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical
Dates: November 29 - December 15, 2019Check website for times
A holiday classic. When it turns out that Macy's Santa may, in fact, be the realKris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynicalheart. This joyous, heartwarming musical is the perfect holiday treat.
Lunchtime Cabaret Series - "Tis The Season: A Holiday Cabaret
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2019Check website for times
Kris Kringle is on his wayto the Opera House! Christmas may only be a week after this cabaret, but we're here to open our doors to the community and sing our way into the Yule season. We'll share favoritememories, hopes, and dreams for the roaring 20's that are right around the corner.
South Shore Orchestra: Holiday Pops
Date: Friday, December 20, 2019Check website for timed
Festive! Fabulous! Joyous Holiday entertainment with family, friends and colleagues! Enjoy this popular holiday tradition with South Shore Orchestra Holiday Pops. A Special guest from the North Pole will be making a special appearance.
